Trump administration sues Harvard over alleged failure to protect Jewish students

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified its confrontation with Harvard University, filing a lawsuit seeking to recover billions of dollars in federal funding over allegations the school failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students.

The legal complaint, filed in federal court in Boston by the U.S. Department of Justice, claims Harvard remained “deliberately indifferent” to harassment targeting Jewish and Israeli students. It further alleges the university failed to enforce campus rules in cases where the victims were Jewish or Israeli, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"This sent the clear message to Harvard’s Jewish and Israeli community that the indifference was not an accident; they were being intentionally excluded and effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities," according to the complaint.

The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the administration’s broader campaign against major U.S. universities, which Trump has criticised for what he describes as antisemitic and “radical left” ideologies. The administration has increasingly used the threat of withdrawing federal funding to push for institutional changes.

Harvard rejected the allegations and said it would contest the case. A university spokesperson described the lawsuit as "yet another pretextual and retaliatory ⁠action by the administration for refusing to turn over control of Harvard to the federal government."

The university also defended its record on addressing antisemitism, pointing to expanded training programs, strengthened disciplinary procedures, and adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

"Harvard cares deeply about members of our Jewish and Israeli community and remains committed to ensuring they are embraced, respected, and can thrive on our campus," the spokesperson said. "Harvard’s efforts demonstrate the very opposite of deliberate indifference."

Several institutions have faced accusations, both from the government and in private lawsuits, of failing to adequately respond to antisemitism.

Among them is Columbia University, which agreed last July to pay $220 million to restore federal research funding. The Justice Department also recently filed a lawsuit against the University of California over alleged antisemitism affecting employees at its Los Angeles campus.

Much of the current complaint against Harvard reiterates previous allegations rather than introducing new claims. The filing does not specify the total amount being sought but notes that Harvard is expected to receive more than $2.6 billion from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services alone.

The lawsuit seeks to recover federal grants awarded during periods of alleged noncompliance and to secure permission to freeze ongoing funding.

By Sabina Mammadli